TCP Tuesday 52!

It's that time again!

Head on over to Toni's Blog today.

She is the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess for this week. And she's hosting the most fantabulous challenge. It's an Inspiration Challenge. Use the picture on the right for your inspiration.

Inspiration challenges are ways to get those creative juices going again. What are you waiting for? Get out your Cat's Pajamas stamps and try it.

Want some even more inspiration? Check out the DT members to the left to see their great cards.

Here are the deets. (Lifted from Ana's page.)
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project HERE.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. They will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS, or PCP please use the keyword TCPTUES51 for this challenge.
8. Alma (that's me) will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat’s Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.

Holey Moley Monday!

Holey Moley Monday

Hi Everyone:

I  am on  the road today, so I will post the results from last weeks sketch challenge with Leigh O'Brien as soon as I can. I apologize for the delay.

Off to Boston

I'm off to Boston for a couple of days for my East Coast sales rep show. I'll be hooking up with the Supreme Creatress, Leigh O'Brien and Holly Powers for a couple of classes and crazy stamping goodness.

We'll hook up with Emily from Stamping Bella, Joanne Basile and my BSF, Kim, the MFT Lady.

Here Kim and I are at a dinner at CHA compliments of the wonderfully talented Carolyn King.

Amy Rohl

It's Special Guest Designer Wednesday!

And it's time for one last look at our Special Guest Designer for March, Amy Rohl.

What has been your happiest moment?
Watching my kids grow up and the loving moments between them, those genuine smiles and hearty belly laughs.

Besides stamping, what is your next passion?
My biggest passion would have to be my family, trying to ride "the wave" of life with them and keeping everyone balanced, afloat and enjoying the ride!

Amy's done a lot of great pieces this month, but this one, has got to be my favorite. Why? Because not only is it beautiful, it shows that she gets me.


I designed this stamp with the chick on the end wearing an Easter bonnet. It looks like a bonnet when colored, but in black and white, when you see it as a stamp image, it's hard to tell what it is. I got many queries as to what it was. So when I saw this card, it brought tears to my eyes. Amy got it. Plus the fact that she must have channeled my brain. This was exactly how I pictured these little birdies colored. Even down to their rosy cheeks.


And then, I took a closer look. This card is a knocks-your-socks-off kind of card. If the subtle coloring doesn't wow you, perhaps the careful cutting around the birds will. Then Amy adds texture with some sweet trim. A little bit of lace here, a little bit of scalloped there and then BAM! This is such a pretty card. Don't you think?

Thank you, Amy for sharing your creations with us.

TCP Tuesday 51!

Wow. TCP Tuesday is 51! How did that happen? We are middle-aged.

Head on over to Leigh's Blog today.

She is the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess for this week. And she's hosting a fantabulous Sketch challenge. She's using this wonderful sketch to challenge herself and you. It's her last week as the Hostess with the Mostess. Won't you play along?

Want some even more inspiration? Check out the DT members to the left throughout the day to see their great cards.

Now I want to see yours.

Here are the deets. (Lifted from Ana's page.)
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project HERE.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. They will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS or PCP, please use the keyword TCPTUES51 for this challenge.
8. Alma (that's me) will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat’s Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.

Holey Moley Monday!

Amy Rohl 111

It's Wednesday and I've been chomping at the bit waiting to show you this next project by the 'Oh So Awesome Amy'. But before I do, let me tease you a bit with more "Amy Facts".

What was the first stamp you bought, and what was your last?
The first stamp I bought must have been that Disney characters birth announcement stamp back in 1993 and the last stamp set purchased would actually be two SU! sets: Trendy Trees and Thoughts and Prayers. (Does this disqualify me as March GD at TCP since my last purchase wasn't TCP?!) Ü

What is your favorite color combo?
That's a tough question, sort of like asking me what my favorite type of music is—depends on my mood and the day. I can tell you that I enjoy bold colors combined with neutrals and always a splash of something fun. I love black with a splash of Kiwi Kiss or Black and a fun, bright pink.

And now, the project. Amy tells me that she based this on a template by Kelly Lunceford. And while the template is a good one, Amy has made it all her own.

This slider box is perfect holding chocolate or cookies or that special gift.


And this project is chock full of details that make it special. From the pearls adorning the flowers on top, to the matching "lace", to the dimension on the sentiment panel.


See what I mean? I love how she used the brads to accent the sentiment. It gives that pop of color and texture that just finishes it. It looks so perfect that I can't image them not being there.

Just Purrrfect!

TCP Tuesday 50!

It's that time again!

TCP Tuseday is 50! Who would've thunk it? Just the luck of the Irish. Head on over to Karrie's Blog today.

She is the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess for this week. And she's hosting a fantabulous challenge. It's a St. Patty's Day Challenge!

Feeling lucky? Just use your TCP stamps to create the pURRRfect card for St. Patty's Day.

Want some even more inspiration? Check out the DT members to the left throughout the week to see their great cards.

Here are the deets. (Lifted from Ana's page.)
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project HERE.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. They will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS, or PCP please use the keyword TCPTUES50 for this challenge.
8. Alma (that's me) will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat’s Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.

Holey Moley Monday!

Amy Rohl II

It's Special Guest Designer Wednesday! And I suppose you are here get another peek into the world of our Special Guest for March, Amy Rohl?

Here is another of Amy's Cards that uses the Beans, Bunnies and Peep, Oh My! Clearly Swanky Set. Amy uses primary color and pattern to highlight the main image. And then adds simple touches to make this card a stand out. I have a special place in my heart for neat stampers, and I love how she controls the edging on the card.


Buttons, random stitching (notice the different thread in the buttons) glitter and a spatter technique that adds to the, yet down home look to this. I have a special place in my heart for neat stampers, and I love how she controls the edging on the card.


Buttons, random stitching (notice the different thread in the buttons) glitter and a spatter technique that adds to the modern, yet down home look to this.

What got you into stamping?
I was invited to the proverbial Stampin' Up! party; hosted my own party; signed on as a demonstrator six months later; rest is history! Of course I have to chatter a bit more though because, yes the first stamping party got me going, but how could have ever known that my love for stamping and papercrafting could have grown so many wonderful friendships near and far; given me so much personal satisfaction; and enabled me to give back using my craft?!

How long have you been stamping?
Funny you should ask because I was looking through my 16 year old daughter's baby book and here was a stamped birth announcement, made by Moi! So the most accurate answer would be 16 years ago, but I really began stamping about 7 years ago.

Want to see another great project? The next one is sooo awesome. Come back next Wednesday and check it out.

TCP Tuesday 49

It's that time again!

Head on over to Jen's Blog today.

Yup, she is the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess for this week. Jen is doing the Color Challenge. This week she challenges you to use Light Pink, Light Yellow and Light Blue in your design. You can also use brown if you wish.

I don't know about you, but the combo reminds me of Easter candy. I see others have the same idea. Check out the DT members to the left throughout the week to see their great cards.

Here are the deets. (Lifted from Ana's page.)
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project HERE.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. They will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS or PCP, please use the keyword TCPTUES49 for this challenge.
8. Alma (that's me) will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat’s Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.

Holey Moley Monday!

Gayle Smith

After many wonderful years, Gayle Smith is resigning from the Cat Pack.

She has a lot of things brewing in her life and we know that soon, we will see her everywhere. Whether we want to or not.

I'll miss Gayle. She's been my friend, sounding board, and most importantly, my SU demo for years. And I know that will continue into the future.

I wish her all the best.

Amy Rohl

A couple of months ago I was doing my daily blog roll and I saw a terrific TCP card designed by Amy Rohl. I quite admired the simple elegance of the card and was surprised by her post. She said that though she liked TCP stamps, sometimes she had a hard time figuring out what to do with them.

So, of course, I had to challenge her. After all, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger, right? And boy, I'm so glad that I did.



Take a look at this wonderful notebook. She uses different variations of primary colors in a way that makes this notebook look anything but primary. Here is a closeup of "Bee A Girl" in one of our new Clearly Swanky Sets, Hearts and Flowers.

I love the wonderful watercolor look she gives to the background and adds dimension to the girl and flower. And the glitter on her wings give mimic the glitter in the flowers of the red paper. The brad also adds dimension and the faux stitching adds an unexpected bit of texture.


I am constantly amazed by artists and their preference for this technique or that product. Amy is no exception.

What's your favorite product?
You know, it just depends on the day for me; I love so many papercrafting products and the fact that they're changing so quickly. That's actually a good thing for me since I tend to bore easily.

The flip side of that is feeling overwhelmed by all the cool news stamps, paper and embellishments out there, wanting to gobble them all up, but sometimes being restrained by 1) monetary funds 2) knowing that there's always going to be greener grass and I just can't have it all.

Ok, so my favorite product right now? Of course, the new TCP stamps being released this month. (AWWW!) Seriously, I've found myself being more and more attracted to fun, funky stamps lately and all of the papers and embellishments to match, and the new TCP stamps I've gotten to dirty-up have me in stitches! How's that for a round-a-bout answer?!

What's your favorite stamping technique or tip?
I'm not much of a technique junkie, but my favorite tip would be this: less is often times more for me. I think that goes back to part of my answer from question number 1 in regard to being satisfied with what's on your stamping table/closet/drawers, etc. I think it forces those creative juices to flow when you have to finagle the supplies that you have into the finished product you have imagined.

A couple more tips:
Participate in challenges...I know, you've heard it a million times before, but it's so true. You will grow more than you can imagine by picking up 1 or 2 weekly challenges and committing to them on a weekly basis.

Last tip: look for inspiration anywhere and everywhere. I love catalogs and magazines that have lots of cool and innovative color combinations, such as Martha Stewart and Pottery Barn. Look around--be inspired!

Thank you for sharing with us, Amy. Don't forget to come back next Wednesday to see more of Amy's work. I can tell you right now, there are some pretty awesome things coming.

TCP Tuesday 48

It's that time again!

We're switching things up a bit here at the Cat House. Head on over to Toni's Blog today.

She is the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess for this week. And she's hosting the most fantabulous challenge. It's an Inspiration Challenge!

Inspiration challenges are ways to get those creative juices going again. What are you waiting for? Get out your Cat's Pajamas stamps and try it.

Want some even more inspiration? Check out the DT members to the left to see their great cards.

Here are the deets. (Lifted from Ana's page.)
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project HERE.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. They will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS, or PCP please use the keyword TCPTUES48 for this challenge.
8. Alma (that's me) will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat’s Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.

Holey Moley Monday!

Jenny Gropp — Swanky Stamper for March

Sometimes, I'm asked how I pick the winning designs for Swanky Stamper of the Month. And I have to say that when I see it, I know it. For me, it's purely physical. I feel a pounding in my heart and a tightening in my lungs. And I know I have to release my breath that I'd been holding since I first saw the card.

This is how it felt when I saw this card. This card has everything. Balance, design, color, stamping ability, and most of all a sense of humor. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but it's a seriously great card.

Jenny Gropp — Swanky Stamper for March